Grandma Was Right: How Warm Clothing Helps Prevent Illness
Grandma and Mom's recommendations weren't just based on life experience but also on scientific truth. Here's the proof.
When winter approaches and temperatures begin to drop, many of us find ourselves searching for the warmest clothes in the closet. There's something comforting and pleasant about warm clothing, especially when it's cold and rainy outside. But beyond comfort, it turns out there are significant health benefits to wearing warm clothing, as scientific studies show.
Grandma and Mom always insisted we dress warmly, claiming that warm clothing could prevent illnesses. They warned us that wetting our feet could triple the chance of catching the flu. And as it turns out, they weren't far from the truth. A study conducted at the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in the UK found that a drop in body temperature can trigger viruses that tend to remain dormant between October and March.
In this study, participants sat for 20 minutes with their feet in bowls of ice water. The result was remarkable: a third of them developed flu symptoms during the five days following, compared to only 9% of the control group who kept their feet dry at a reasonable temperature.
The reason is that when the feet get cold, the veins in the nose constrict, preventing the flow of warm blood that supplies the white cells fighting infections and colds.
The connection between body temperature and the immune system is a fascinating subject.
When the body is cold, it has to work harder to maintain a stable internal temperature. This can weaken the immune system and make us more susceptible to illnesses. Warm clothing helps keep the body warm and allows the immune system to function optimally.
Furthermore, people who tend to dress warmly also tend to lead healthier lifestyles in general. Another study found that happy and healthy people had relatively low levels of stress-related hormones like cortisol, known to impact high blood pressure. Stress damages the immune system, so maintaining a good mood and appropriate clothing can contribute to overall health.
Ultimately, Grandma and Mom's recommendations weren't just based on life experience but also on scientific truth. Warm clothing provides an additional layer of protection against the cold and viruses waiting for us in winter. Therefore, it's wise to heed this advice and ensure we're well-prepared for the cold season with clothes that will warm us and keep us healthy throughout the winter.
